
Make climate action top priority
In one survey, voters were asked to rank their concerns by priority; climate change and the environment came in at No. 15 – out of 16 issues. In another survey, climate change did not appear on the list at all, which featured only eight concerns.
We informed readers that our series would differ from other analyses that regard biodiversity loss as a subset of climate change, when it should be viewed as a separate category. This is because climate change and biodiversity loss are paired facets of the wider global ecological crisis threatening humanity – a situation that we are facing for the first time in 300,000 years of human existence.
Our collated findings are recorded on a scale ranging from +1 to +10 for a positive outlook and -1 to -10 for a negative one, with -10 indicating a doomsday scenario.
Throughout the 300,000 years of human existence until the start of the Industrial Revolution, the carbon dioxide level in the Earth's atmosphere had held steady at around 280 parts per million (ppm). It rose to 290ppm by 1879 and by 1910 had reached 300ppm.
In 2013, atmospheric CO₂ levels reached 400ppm. By 2020, the concentration had risen to 417ppm and in 2022, it crossed the critical threshold of 420ppm – a level not seen on Earth in approximately four million years. In June 2024, the CO₂ level peaked at 426.91ppm.
Scientists have zero doubt that the changes in CO₂ levels have been caused solely by human activity, mainly the burning of fossil fuels and the extension of farmlands at the expense of natural forests and other natural ecosystems.
Fossil fuels saw a transformation of the world economy that spurred a massive surge in human population.
In 1856, scientists tested the heating effects of CO₂ in the air and proved that it contributed to global warming. In 1896, they discovered that the burning of coal and other fossil fuels contributed to the warming effect.
For causing global heating and adverse climate change, humanity, including Malaysia, lost one point.
It was only in 1987 that an international agreement called the Montreal Protocol was signed to restrict the use of CFC and HCFC chemicals that damage the ozone level. For taking no action until 1987, all nations, including Malaysia, lost a second point, making the score -2.
It took until 2015 before the UN Climate Change Conference set binding targets and commitments by 196 countries to limit global temperature increases. For dragging its feet until 2015, humanity, including Malaysia, lost another point. The score stood at -3.
Last year, the floods in Malaysia were exceptionally severe, with padi loss equivalent to 5.84 million 10kg packs of rice. More than 100ha of farmland were destroyed. Due to the lack of flood disaster preparedness, Malaysia lost one more point. The score stood at -4.
For its failure to anticipate the devastating consequences of heatwaves and take preventive measures, Malaysia lost another point. The score stood at -5.
Malaysia has no plans to rapidly reduce the production and sale of petrol-driven vehicles, which contribute significantly to global warming. Every working day, Klang Valley roads carry three million petrol cars, each emitting about 12kg of CO₂ annually. Additionally, six million petrol motorcycles traverse these roads multiple times a day.
By choosing to fuel a growing number of vehicles instead of developing a comprehensive bus transport system, Malaysia lost another point, bringing its score down to -6.
Scientists have identified human overpopulation as a key driver of global warming. The need to feed more people demands expanding farmland, which leads to deforestation while increased industrialisation is required to produce consumer goods, especially essential items for infants and childcare.
As the government and religious authorities encouraged higher birth rates, Malaysia lost another point, bringing the score to -7.
In prioritising adversarial politics and maintaining population growth while ignoring this key driver of environmental strain, Malaysia lost yet another point, dropping the score to -8.
By promoting exclusivity instead of fostering inclusivity – uniting all religions in collective climate action – we lost an additional point, bringing the total to -9.
Finally, due to a lack of government efficiency and political will to fully commit to climate survival efforts, we lost one more point. Our final score stands at -10: rock bottom.
But what can the government do? It must support climate reversal efforts by issuing clear directives to MPs to stop exploiting race and religion inside and outside the Dewan Rakyat.
All Malaysians respect Islam as the country's official religion. Moreover, non-Malay Malaysians who interact with Malays in workplaces, healthcare and marketplaces recognise the honesty and integrity that many Malays display towards all customers, regardless of ethnicity – a valued trait deeply rooted in their culture.
Dewan Rakyat members must be constantly reminded to focus primarily on adopting climate reversal actions because the nation's survival depends on it.
Politicians should not focus solely on winning votes by riding populist waves. They need to be continually reminded that their primary responsibility is to advance effective climate policies.
Getting elected should be seen as a means to fulfil this critical duty to the nation. Above all, they should act with integrity and a sense of righteousness, working to safeguard the country's future.
Cabinet ministers must set a good example. They should align all ministries in an all-out effort to adopt climate reversal strategies. Our research shows that no ministry has made climate reversal its top priority.
A classic example is the continuing emphasis on promoting petrol-fuelled vehicles instead of adopting a plan for rapid conversion to electric vehicles (EV), which would help eliminate harmful PM2.5 particles – a deadly byproduct of petrol combustion.
International medical studies, accepted by a coroner's court in London, confirm that PM2.5 particles cause severe lung ailments. Yet, how many EV do you actually see on the road? Most
EV owners, if not all, tend to be high-income earners.
Roads in the cities are choked with traffic and the air over Klang Valley is usually hazy from traffic-particle dust. It is only a matter of time before lung ailments surpass all forms of cancer as the leading cause of death.
After coal, petrol is the second-largest source of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere.
Joachim Ng champions interfaith harmony.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia hotter by 1.2°C since 1969, could soar further by 2050
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's average surface temperature has risen by 0.6°C to 1.2°C over the past 40 years (from 1969 to 2009). The country is now grappling with a full-blown climate crisis that is becoming increasingly unpredictable — a result of global warming. Scorching heat, sudden heavy downpours, recurring flash floods and thunderstorms regardless of season are no longer isolated events. Projections suggest that if no strong mitigation steps are taken, the rise could reach 1.5°C to 2.0°C by 2050. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Institute of Climate Change senior lecturer Dr Ricky Anak Kemarau said the main cause of global warming is greenhouse gases (GHG). These gases — such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) — are the primary contributors to global warming as they trap heat in the atmosphere through the greenhouse effect. "Carbon dioxide, for example, can remain in the atmosphere for 100 to 1,000 years depending on its cycle. "Methane is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 10- to 12-year period, while chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) last over 100 years and also damage the ozone layer," he said. Ricky added that these gases absorb solar radiation and trap it in Earth's atmosphere, gradually raising global temperatures. "The sharp rise in GHG levels is caused by fossil fuel combustion for energy generation (coal alone accounts for 30–40 per cent of global CO₂ emissions). "It is also driven by industrial and transport activities, as well as deforestation, which not only releases stored carbon but also destroys natural carbon sinks. "Today, carbon dioxide levels have exceeded 420 parts per million (ppm) — the highest in human history and far above the stable pre-Industrial Revolution level of 280 ppm," he told Harian Metro. "Our responsibility goes beyond just reducing emissions. We must also strengthen the nation's defences against future climate risks. "If the world succeeded in saving the ozone layer through the Montreal Protocol, we can also mitigate the climate crisis — but only if all parties act collectively," he said. Ricky noted that this phenomenon is not limited to Malaysia. Other Asian countries are also experiencing more frequent natural disasters due to changing global temperatures. He said the key factor remains greenhouse gases — largely the result of human activities. This is no longer just theoretical; science can now "detect the human fingerprint" in almost every extreme weather event across the globe, including in Malaysia. Extreme weather clearly linked to human activity He said recent studies — particularly in reputable journals like Nature Climate Change and global reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — indicate that over 80 per cent of extreme weather events in the past two decades are directly linked to human activity. "We are witnessing the real consequences of seemingly ordinary activities — burning fossil fuels, clearing forests, and uncontrolled land use change due to development. "The combination of these actions is heating up the planet, and this warming is fuelling extreme weather," he said. One of the most noticeable impacts is the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, especially in urban areas. "It's not just global climate, but also how humans build cities without green breathing spaces. "This leads to the urban heat island effect, which intensifies heat to levels that can cause death from heat stroke, heart failure and damage to infrastructure," he said. He explained that a warmer atmosphere holds more water vapour, which, when released, results in heavier rainfall than usual. "This explains the rising trend in rainfall. Unfortunately, urban infrastructure is not designed to handle such volumes of water, which leads to recurring flash floods," he said.


The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Make climate action top priority
HOW did Malaysia end up with a rock-bottom Doomsday climate survival score of -10? We began our climate change series on Feb 19 in theSun, highlighting how public perception shapes climate priorities. In one survey, voters were asked to rank their concerns by priority; climate change and the environment came in at No. 15 – out of 16 issues. In another survey, climate change did not appear on the list at all, which featured only eight concerns. We informed readers that our series would differ from other analyses that regard biodiversity loss as a subset of climate change, when it should be viewed as a separate category. This is because climate change and biodiversity loss are paired facets of the wider global ecological crisis threatening humanity – a situation that we are facing for the first time in 300,000 years of human existence. Our collated findings are recorded on a scale ranging from +1 to +10 for a positive outlook and -1 to -10 for a negative one, with -10 indicating a doomsday scenario. Throughout the 300,000 years of human existence until the start of the Industrial Revolution, the carbon dioxide level in the Earth's atmosphere had held steady at around 280 parts per million (ppm). It rose to 290ppm by 1879 and by 1910 had reached 300ppm. In 2013, atmospheric CO₂ levels reached 400ppm. By 2020, the concentration had risen to 417ppm and in 2022, it crossed the critical threshold of 420ppm – a level not seen on Earth in approximately four million years. In June 2024, the CO₂ level peaked at 426.91ppm. Scientists have zero doubt that the changes in CO₂ levels have been caused solely by human activity, mainly the burning of fossil fuels and the extension of farmlands at the expense of natural forests and other natural ecosystems. Fossil fuels saw a transformation of the world economy that spurred a massive surge in human population. In 1856, scientists tested the heating effects of CO₂ in the air and proved that it contributed to global warming. In 1896, they discovered that the burning of coal and other fossil fuels contributed to the warming effect. For causing global heating and adverse climate change, humanity, including Malaysia, lost one point. It was only in 1987 that an international agreement called the Montreal Protocol was signed to restrict the use of CFC and HCFC chemicals that damage the ozone level. For taking no action until 1987, all nations, including Malaysia, lost a second point, making the score -2. It took until 2015 before the UN Climate Change Conference set binding targets and commitments by 196 countries to limit global temperature increases. For dragging its feet until 2015, humanity, including Malaysia, lost another point. The score stood at -3. Last year, the floods in Malaysia were exceptionally severe, with padi loss equivalent to 5.84 million 10kg packs of rice. More than 100ha of farmland were destroyed. Due to the lack of flood disaster preparedness, Malaysia lost one more point. The score stood at -4. For its failure to anticipate the devastating consequences of heatwaves and take preventive measures, Malaysia lost another point. The score stood at -5. Malaysia has no plans to rapidly reduce the production and sale of petrol-driven vehicles, which contribute significantly to global warming. Every working day, Klang Valley roads carry three million petrol cars, each emitting about 12kg of CO₂ annually. Additionally, six million petrol motorcycles traverse these roads multiple times a day. By choosing to fuel a growing number of vehicles instead of developing a comprehensive bus transport system, Malaysia lost another point, bringing its score down to -6. Scientists have identified human overpopulation as a key driver of global warming. The need to feed more people demands expanding farmland, which leads to deforestation while increased industrialisation is required to produce consumer goods, especially essential items for infants and childcare. As the government and religious authorities encouraged higher birth rates, Malaysia lost another point, bringing the score to -7. In prioritising adversarial politics and maintaining population growth while ignoring this key driver of environmental strain, Malaysia lost yet another point, dropping the score to -8. By promoting exclusivity instead of fostering inclusivity – uniting all religions in collective climate action – we lost an additional point, bringing the total to -9. Finally, due to a lack of government efficiency and political will to fully commit to climate survival efforts, we lost one more point. Our final score stands at -10: rock bottom. But what can the government do? It must support climate reversal efforts by issuing clear directives to MPs to stop exploiting race and religion inside and outside the Dewan Rakyat. All Malaysians respect Islam as the country's official religion. Moreover, non-Malay Malaysians who interact with Malays in workplaces, healthcare and marketplaces recognise the honesty and integrity that many Malays display towards all customers, regardless of ethnicity – a valued trait deeply rooted in their culture. Dewan Rakyat members must be constantly reminded to focus primarily on adopting climate reversal actions because the nation's survival depends on it. Politicians should not focus solely on winning votes by riding populist waves. They need to be continually reminded that their primary responsibility is to advance effective climate policies. Getting elected should be seen as a means to fulfil this critical duty to the nation. Above all, they should act with integrity and a sense of righteousness, working to safeguard the country's future. Cabinet ministers must set a good example. They should align all ministries in an all-out effort to adopt climate reversal strategies. Our research shows that no ministry has made climate reversal its top priority. A classic example is the continuing emphasis on promoting petrol-fuelled vehicles instead of adopting a plan for rapid conversion to electric vehicles (EV), which would help eliminate harmful PM2.5 particles – a deadly byproduct of petrol combustion. International medical studies, accepted by a coroner's court in London, confirm that PM2.5 particles cause severe lung ailments. Yet, how many EV do you actually see on the road? Most EV owners, if not all, tend to be high-income earners. Roads in the cities are choked with traffic and the air over Klang Valley is usually hazy from traffic-particle dust. It is only a matter of time before lung ailments surpass all forms of cancer as the leading cause of death. After coal, petrol is the second-largest source of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere. Joachim Ng champions interfaith harmony. Comments: letters@


The Star
29-06-2025
- The Star
News Analysis: Extreme heatwaves underscore climate urgency, demand action
LONDON, June 29 (Xinhua) -- Over the past few weeks, heatwaves have hit several regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and eastern Asia. As the Northern Hemisphere endures a summer of unprecedented heat, experts warn that these extreme events are not isolated anomalies, but stark evidence of accelerating climate change. From Europe to North America and Asia, the impacts are straining societies, economies, and ecosystems, prompting urgent calls for both immediate adaptation and long-term mitigation. DRIVERS OF EXTREME WARMTH "These are separate events, not a single heatwave event sweeping across the Northern Hemisphere," said Julien Nicolas, senior scientist at the Copernicus Climate Change Service. "Affected regions are often separated by areas with colder-than-average conditions." Despite their geographic separation, these events share a common underlying cause -- human-induced climate change. Scientists have widely agreed that the persistent rise in greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution is the primary driver of this year's intense heatwaves. The still-unbroken trend of rising temperatures due to anthropogenic greenhouse gases has led to record-high sea surface temperatures, further warming the lower atmosphere, Andreas Walter, spokesperson for the German Meteorological Service, has told Xinhua. Heatwaves are often triggered and sustained by stationary high-pressure systems, sometimes referred to as "heat domes." These systems trap hot air near the surface and block the formation of cooling clouds and precipitation, leading to prolonged periods of extreme heat, Nicolas explained. In the United Kingdom, a persistent high-pressure zone has led to parched soils and rising surface temperatures, intensifying the heatwave's impact. Another contributing factor is the transition from El Nino to La Nina, which can weaken the West African monsoon and shift hot tropical air northward into Europe. This process supports the persistence of high-pressure systems and prolongs heat and drought conditions. In the United States, heatwaves are the deadliest form of extreme weather. The current wave is particularly concerning, as it marks the first of the season yet brings temperatures more typical of midsummer, not June. Affecting around 150 million people from Wisconsin to Washington D.C., this event bears all the hallmarks of human-induced climate change. Simultaneously, Europe is experiencing similarly searing temperatures, also intensified by global warming. In Slovenia, average temperatures there have risen by about two degrees Celsius since 1961, doubling the global average and making heatwaves both more frequent and more severe. Aemet, Spain's national weather agency, has issued a special warning, forecasting highs of up to 42 degrees Celsius in the country's southern regions in the coming days. In neighbouring Portugal, around two-thirds of the country will be placed under high alert on Sunday due to extreme temperatures and the risk of wildfires. Lisbon could see highs of 42 degrees Celsius. In Italy, where cities such as Naples and Palermo are bracing for 39 degrees Celsius heat, the regions of Sicily and Liguria have introduced bans on outdoor work during the hottest parts of the day. According to the World Meteorological Organization, Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average. This rapid warming has fueled a series of record-breaking and unusually early heatwaves in 2025. Earlier this month, India's capital, New Delhi-home to over 30 million people, is facing a historic heatwave, prompting the India Meteorological Department to issue a red alert. Temperatures in several areas are soaring 41-45 degrees Celsius, surpassing long-term averages by three to four degrees. Meanwhile, in Pakistan's Punjab region, temperatures have reached 50 degrees Celsius, a level considered "close to the survival threshold." WIDESPREAD CONSEQUENCES "Through its influence on extreme heat, human-induced climate change puts a massive burden on societies, leading to thousands of premature deaths and severe strain on infrastructure and ecosystems," said Fredi Otto, lead scientist at the World Weather Attribution project. "It also causes significant agricultural losses and reductions in productivity." Moreover, their impact on public health and vital sectors continues to escalate. According to a real-time analysis in 2025 by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London, an estimated 570 people in England and Wales may have died due to high temperatures between June 19 and June 22. Health authorities have issued warnings as temperatures near 39 degrees Celsius in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, with some regions experiencing their driest June on record. Hospitals are reporting rising cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular issues. Public officials are urging residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and care for vulnerable neighbors. The agricultural sector is also under acute stress. In many parts o Europe, prolonged drought and extreme heat have left soils dangerously dry, threatening major crops such as corn and sunflower and reducing grain yields, including barley. Forests are also vulnerable to wildfires and pest outbreaks, exacerbated by warmer winters. HungaroMet's June 2025 agrometeorological report highlights extreme drought across large areas of Hungary. In central and southeastern regions of the country, rainfall since March has been 40-100 mm below average. Topsoil moisture is below 20 percent in most areas, with corn and sunflower leaves curling, and even early-harvested barley is suffering. Infrastructure systems are also being tested. Roads and railways are buckling under heat stress, power grids face surging electricity demand, and many regions are grappling with water shortages. The economic toll is growing. The World Bank warns that, if current trends continue, extreme heat could reduce annual GDP in European and Central Asian cities by up to 2.5 percent by 2050. URGENT MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION MEASURES NEEDED Governments and communities are intensifying efforts to protect public health and adapt to a rapidly warming climate. In the UK, amber weather alerts have been issued alongside widespread public messaging on heat safety. Local councils are proactively checking on vulnerable residents and opening cooling centers. Across Europe, similar measures are underway, Slovenia has activated emergency protocols, extended pool hours, and disseminated health guidance through multiple channels. Experts stress that while short-term responses are crucial, long-term adaptation is even more essential. "Cities, in particular, must implement measures to mitigate the impact of heatwaves, such as increasing urban greenery and providing shaded areas," said Andreas Walter. Urban greening, reflective surfaces, and climate-conscious architecture are increasingly promoted as key strategies to combat the urban heat island effect. At the policy level, some countries are making progress. Slovenia, for example, is incorporating climate adaptation into national planning, with a focus on infrastructure, water resource management, and disaster risk reduction. Still, experts caution that adaptation alone is not enough. "Reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains essential to limit the worsening extremes of weather for future generations, but there is also an urgent need to improve our preparedness for more severe hot, dry but also wet weather extremes as the climate continues to warm," said Richard Allan.